Don’t forget about virtualization for data security

Companies all around the world are increasingly turning to virtualization in order to leverage and optimize space on their servers. But, as adoption rates have risen, according to a Network World report, data security measures haven't followed.

The news provider said that many organizations have 80 percent virtualization within their sights. Both server infrastructure and desktop virtualization strategies and projects are well on their way.

However, what makes virtualization so beneficial also makes it vulnerable, Network World reported. When IT environments are virtualized, there are also numerous new pathways opened up that are ripe for exploiting by cybercriminals.

As is generally the case, Network World stated, the emerging technology has been pushed forward without the proper attention to protecting data. Now, the report said, is the time to focus on virtualization security.

"Today, specialized security products for virtualized environments are finally coming to market – and security professionals need to figure out if any of them should be used, while also keeping up with evolving security plans from vendors," the report stated.

While the area hasn't received particular attention yet, Network World said it believes that, eventually and with some innovations, virtualization could actually enhance a company's data security measures, including for disaster recovery.

An earlier report from Network World outlined how virtualized environments have "changed everything" for data security practices. The main concern is access control, the report stated.

Highlighting the case of New Mexico's human services department, the news provider discussed the agency's adoption of a certain virtualization security measure. The tool intercepts administrative requests that have been made to the virtual environment, analyzes and ultimately decides if they mesh with the organization's policies.